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Staff Outing – Andy’s Old Port Pub, Portland

Andy’s Old Port Pub is on Commercial St in Portland, right across from our official home at Craft Beer Cellar. After watching several thousand guests board our buses for educational fun, the owners of Andy’s closed for Andy Day so their staff could have some fun too.

This is essentially what the staff at Andy’s watches out their front window all year long.

To say that Andy’s is a Maine Brew Bus staff and beer industry favorite is an understatement.

Many meetings have been held here, including the one where we forged a relationship with Jorgen and Pietro of Craft Beer Cellar Portland.

When our guests are dropped off on Pearl St, they often ask where they should go for good food and Maine beers. We often point out Andy’s Old Port Pub as the logical place to go…it’s literally right across the street.

A group poses for a picture after a tour. Their next stop was probably Andy’s which is clearly visible in the background.

And in the middle of summer, folks in the industry know where to go for cold local beer and even colder air conditioning…Andy’s Old Port Pub.

So Jennifer Fox and Rick Frantz contacted us about bringing their staff out for Andy Day, an afternoon of much needed fun and bonding.

We put together an itinerary designed to showcase 5 brands that they currently sell a lot of, as well as one brand new brewery that may soon find it’s way onto the tap roster.

Special thanks to Allagash Brewing, D.L. Geary Brewing, Foundation Brewing, Fore River Brewing, Maine Mead Works, and Rising Tide Brewing for being willing to host this group on a Monday afternoon.

And a huge shout out to Josh and Melissa from Hella Good Tacos who catered a full Mexican lunch for the group on a day when the restaurant is normally closed. We appreciate them coming in on their day off to put on such an impressive and filling meal.

Check out these pictures of the team from Andy’s Old Port Pub on their staff outing. Cheers!

20160122_162801.jpg

The owners of Andy's Old Port Pub asked us to take their staff out for a fun time. From left, Rick Frantz and Jennifer Fox. 

At Allagash Brewing Company, Adam took the group around on a very special VIP tour. Here is the brewhouse deck, seldom seen by outsiders during brewing operations. 

Adam talks about the "small" fermenters that can hold over 153 barrels but are generally filled to a capacity of 120 bbls. This works out to be 3,720 gallons of beer per fermenter.

At the pub, Allagash White is one of the top selling drafts. But most of Andy's staff had never been to the Allagash brewery before this outing.

Up on the mezzanine the group looks over the massive packaging hall in full operations. 

Time for a tasting in the Wild Barrel Room!

Everyone had a chance to try the recently released Helena, an American Wild ale aged in oak wine barrels.

The full Andy's Old Port Pub group after a very rare viewing of the famous Allagash Coolship.

At D.L. Geary Brewing company, the team from Andy's was greeted warmly by the founder David Geary. 

Tyler leads the group through the massive Geary's packaging room 

Foundation Brewing Company allowed the group to visit, even though they were in production at the time. 

The Andy's group listens to Foundation Brewing's Adam Stein describe the company and the beers. 

Lunch at Hella Good Tacos! Josh Bankhead is pointing out the wide selection of drafts, as well as an impressive bottle and can selection. We noticed his Maine Brew Bus hat right away.

Hella Good put together chicken, beef, and vegetarian taco combinations served with beans, rice, and salad. The homemade tortilla chips with the salsa bar toppings were a big hit as well. 

As the sun begins to set, the group has a second wind and it's off to Fore River Brewing Company which had opened in South Portland only 12 days prior. 

John LeGassey describes the build-out of the facility as the group samples John Henry Milk Stout, one of the three beers that are currently on tap. 

The tasting room is like being in a Maine camp with rugged timbers, tasteful decorative items, and a brick hearth with roaring stove. 

John talks in depth with two of Andy's staff members about Fore River Brewing.

At Maine Mead Works, Leah poured each of the groups samples of several different still and sparkling meads, as well as iced teas and lemonade. The first-run bottle of Ginger Mead was also opened for the group. 

Andy's features a wide assortment of Honeymaker meads from Maine Mead Works. They even have flights available for guests to try at the pub.

At Rising Tide, Heather and Nathan Sanborn enjoy a beer with Rick and Jen of Andy's. Rising Tide beers sell very well at the pub, with often two draft lines dedicated to the five year old Portland brewery.

20160122_162801.jpg The owners of Andy's Old Port Pub asked us to take their staff out for a fun time. From left, Rick Frantz and Jennifer Fox.  At Allagash Brewing Company, Adam took the group around on a very special VIP tour. Here is the brewhouse deck, seldom seen by outsiders during brewing operations.  Adam talks about the "small" fermenters that can hold over 153 barrels but are generally filled to a capacity of 120 bbls. This works out to be 3,720 gallons of beer per fermenter. At the pub, Allagash White is one of the top selling drafts. But most of Andy's staff had never been to the Allagash brewery before this outing. Up on the mezzanine the group looks over the massive packaging hall in full operations.  Time for a tasting in the Wild Barrel Room! Everyone had a chance to try the recently released Helena, an American Wild ale aged in oak wine barrels. The full Andy's Old Port Pub group after a very rare viewing of the famous Allagash Coolship. At D.L. Geary Brewing company, the team from Andy's was greeted warmly by the founder David Geary.  Tyler leads the group through the massive Geary's packaging room  Foundation Brewing Company allowed the group to visit, even though they were in production at the time.  The Andy's group listens to Foundation Brewing's Adam Stein describe the company and the beers.  Lunch at Hella Good Tacos! Josh Bankhead is pointing out the wide selection of drafts, as well as an impressive bottle and can selection. We noticed his Maine Brew Bus hat right away. Hella Good put together chicken, beef, and vegetarian taco combinations served with beans, rice, and salad. The homemade tortilla chips with the salsa bar toppings were a big hit as well.  As the sun begins to set, the group has a second wind and it's off to Fore River Brewing Company which had opened in South Portland only 12 days prior.  John LeGassey describes the build-out of the facility as the group samples John Henry Milk Stout, one of the three beers that are currently on tap.  The tasting room is like being in a Maine camp with rugged timbers, tasteful decorative items, and a brick hearth with roaring stove.  John talks in depth with two of Andy's staff members about Fore River Brewing. At Maine Mead Works, Leah poured each of the groups samples of several different still and sparkling meads, as well as iced teas and lemonade. The first-run bottle of Ginger Mead was also opened for the group.  Andy's features a wide assortment of Honeymaker meads from Maine Mead Works. They even have flights available for guests to try at the pub. At Rising Tide, Heather and Nathan Sanborn enjoy a beer with Rick and Jen of Andy's. Rising Tide beers sell very well at the pub, with often two draft lines dedicated to the five year old Portland brewery.

Do you think this would be fun for your team as well? You don’t have to be a bar or a restaurant in order to book our buses for Private Tours. We can accommodate your group for an unforgettable staff outing on The Maine Brew Bus. Contact us today for more information and to reserve your date.

Don Littlefield is the Assistant Principal of The Maine Brew Bus. He once had a job of his end abruptly while he was at Andy’s, a story that now has been told to the entire staff. He enjoyed a Coffee By Design Rebel Blend coffee while preparing this post. Twitter: @BeerinME

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